NEW ORLEANS — A massive manhunt is underway in Louisiana after ten inmates—several facing serious violent charges—escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center by breaking through a hole in their cell wall and leaving mocking messages for jail staff.
The escape, which occurred overnight, was only discovered during an 8:30 a.m. head count Friday morning. Authorities fear the brazen breakout may have involved internal assistance, as investigators examine whether jail staff played a role in the security failure.
So far, only one escapee—20-year-old Kendell Myles, a repeat offender with a prior history of escape—has been apprehended. Myles was found hiding beneath a car in a hotel parking garage in the French Quarter. The remaining nine fugitives remain at large.
Officials confirmed that the inmates carved a hole behind a toilet in their shared cell, slipping into a pipe chase and navigating their way to a loading dock. From there, they scaled a jail wall and crossed the nearby interstate, evading detection in the dark.
Photos released by the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office show a gaping hole with daylight streaming through, and graffiti left by the escapees. One wrote “I’m innocent,” which another fugitive modified to read “We’re innocent.” Other messages included “Too easy lol” and “Catch us when you can,” underscoring the inmates’ defiance.
Sheriff Susan Hutson called the situation “very serious and unacceptable” and vowed a full investigation into staff conduct and security procedures.
“This is beyond unacceptable,” said Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, who joined a growing chorus of state leaders expressing outrage over the public safety risk. “We will get to the bottom of this failure.”
One of the most alarming aspects of the jailbreak is the delay in notifying the public. The escape reportedly took place around midnight, yet residents were not alerted until nearly 10 a.m. That delay has sparked outrage among community members, especially families of the inmates’ alleged victims.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick confirmed that officers are actively relocating individuals who may be at risk. “If you were a victim or witness and are concerned, let us help you get to safety,” she said, warning that anyone found aiding the fugitives would be prosecuted as an accomplice.
The escapees include individuals charged with second-degree murder, aggravated battery, weapons violations, kidnapping, and extortion. Authorities say all ten should be considered “armed and dangerous.”
The list of fugitives includes:
- Kendell Myles (20) – previously escaped custody in 2022; faces charges for weapon possession, contraband smuggling, and was indicted for a carjacking and shooting.
- Derrick Groves (27) – charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.
- Jermain Donald (42) – faces charges of second-degree murder, aggravated battery, and illegal firearm possession.
- Corey Boyd (20) – accused of second-degree murder and aggravated battery.
- Antoine Massey (33) – jailed for domestic abuse, car theft, and strangulation.
- Lenton Vanburen (27) – arrested for illegal weapons possession and bringing contraband into prison.
- Leo Tate (31) – charged with burglary, firearm possession, and drug-related offenses.
- Robert Moody (21) – jailed on weapons and drug charges.
- Gary Price (21) – arrested for domestic abuse, simple assault, and criminal damage.
- Decannon Dennis (24) – facing charges including extortion, kidnapping, armed robbery, and multiple illegal weapons offenses.
Security consultant Mike Cahn told local media that the escape would have required significant planning, suggesting the inmates may have been provided with tools or aided by someone with knowledge of the facility.
Authorities have not ruled out insider involvement, and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office is reviewing all facility protocols, staff activity logs, and surveillance footage.
As the manhunt intensifies, law enforcement agencies across Louisiana remain on high alert. Officials are urging anyone with information about the escapees’ whereabouts to contact local authorities immediately.
